Reducing that Pesky Skin Condition
Did you know that you can limit the symptoms of your eczema diagnosis by changing your diet? Prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods is the best practice for those with this skin disease and the best news is - all the foods on this list are delicious and nutritious. Read on to discover the best foods that help eczema go away.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes dry skin that can be itchy and painful. It’s chronic, but isn’t constant - instead someone with the skin condition experiences cycles of inflammation. Those with eczema are at higher risk of developing hay fever and asthma.
Most sufferers develop their first symptoms before their fifth birthday and continue to experience the disease through their teenage and early adult years. In some cases, however, people develop eczema in later life.
Eczema flare-ups are most common in the joints at your elbows and knees, though irritated skin can occur anywhere on the body. Affected areas are usually noticeable by a distinct red color and dryness.
Atopic dermatitis affects one in ten people in the United States, making it the most common skin condition.
Many people with eczema use a medical solution such as Rinvoq, Xelijanz or Humira. Adapting your diet to include foods that reduce inflammation is also good practice.
The Superfoods That Lower Eczema Inflammation
While eczema isn’t curable, there are many steps you can take to avoid symptoms from worsening. The best plan is to create an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce eczema flare. Follow the below eczema diet tips to return your skin to better health.
Apples
This much-loved fruit can fight inflammation because it contains quercetin. It’s found in fruits and vegetables and is responsible for giving them their deep colors. Quercetin can lower inflammation in the body, easing the symptoms of eczema.
If you don’t like apples or are allergic to them, you can find quercetin in many other foods. You’ll find the compound in all of these items with berries, peppers, grapes and broccoli.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them a great natural food source for limiting the impact of your eczema skin issues.
Mackerel, salmon, herring and sardines are all perfect examples of fatty fish and you should aim to incorporate them into your meals at least two nights a week.
Tempeh
If your diet restricts you from eating fish, you can consider tempeh. It’s completely plant-based and is made from soybeans. As a fermented food, it contains living bacteria that boost your gut health. Evidence confirms that tempeh can support eczema sufferers by reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Other sources of good bacteria include kombucha, kefir and sauerkraut - each of which is a great example of an anti-inflammatory food.
Tea
Cups of tea, despite their type, are all made from the tea plant Camellia sinensis. In these plants are compounds called polyphenols. While all teas contain some of these compounds, black and green teas are best for those who suffer from eczema.
Tea also contains flavonoids, which limit the amount of inflammation your body causes - which could help ease irritation to your skin.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is made from ground oats. It was likely in the form of porridge or oatcakes if you've ever eaten it. It contains heaps of healthy fiber, which pushes your body to have a healthy gut. Healthier guts boost your immune system, which decreases the amount of inflammation you experience; this makes oatmeal a superfood for those who suffer from eczema.
Beef Broth
If you’re unfamiliar with beef broth, it’s the liquid that meat has simmered in. It can be sourced during the cooking process or bought in cans from the store. Beef broth contains an amino acid called glycine - which is responsible for repairing skin and reducing inflammation.
If you avoid red meat for environmental or other reasons, chicken broth will generate the same positive results for your skin condition.
Turmeric
Part of the ginger family, turmeric is a great spice for those inflicted with eczema. With a black pepper-like flavor and mustardy scent, it’s the staple spice of many delicious curry dishes. There’s evidence that regularly eating this spice can improve your memory, reduce pain and fight depression - but did you know that it’s also one of the best anti-inflammatory foods you can buy?
Sprinkled on a roast dinner, mixed into a curry or added to a cup of tea - how you choose to add it to your diet is up to you.
There's the list of foods that help eczema go away; hopefully you can get your eczema inflammation down to a minimum.